nick up
C1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To make lots of small cuts or scratches in something.
Literal meaning: To put nicks (small cuts) up and down a surface — largely transparent.
Meanings
1 C1 neutral
To damage a surface by making multiple small cuts or grooves in it.
"Years of use had nicked up the kitchen counter badly."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Uncommon and very specific. Used in practical or craft contexts. The result is a surface covered in small nicks or imperfections. Not widely used in everyday speech.
Commonly used with
blade surface edge wood metal
Forms
Base
nick up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
nicks up
he/she/it
Past simple
nicked up
yesterday
Past participle
nicked up
have + pp
-ing form
nicking up
continuous
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Synonyms
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